Epidural vs. Natural Childborth: Similarities

In the context of female physiology and the mechanics of the process, natural and epidural types of childbirth should not be considered too much different. In both situations, if there are no complications or other critical circumstances, the woman undergoes labor contractions and delivers the baby herself under control of obstetricians and medical assistants.

Also, both of these types of childbirth are quite risky: both of them may end up with a necessity of doing Caesarean section, or with vaginal delivery with the help of forceps or vacuum. And possible complications, which may occur after epidural or natural childbirth, are mostly similar: in both situations, new mothers have to cope with afterbirth pains and body transformations. In addition, they have to face psychological and mental changes, connected with the coming of a new person, fully dependent on them.

Finally, both types of childbirth are free for future mother’s choice and nobody can force a woman to prefer one method for another. But, certainly, there are special circumstances and health conditions of pregnant woman, when one or another type of childbirth can be recommended by the doctors. For example, epidural anesthesia is preferable for a woman with low pain threshold or with emotional fear of suffering during labor. But if a woman is psychologically prepared and strong, if she has good health and physical condition, doctors usually recommend trying natural childbirth as the less risky and absolutely “natural” way of delivering a baby.